27 May Niki Lauda, Austrian Formula 1 world champion dies at 70

Who was Niki Lauda?

Lauda the legendary Austrian, who was a formula 1 racer was born in Vienna in February 1949 and passed away peacefully after a lung transfer in May 2019. His family was against his career at the initial stage which later caused rift in the family.  He was a three-time F1 world driver’s Champion, won the title for Ferrari in 1975, 1977 and McLaren 1984. He was regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time.

A good film on his achievements to watch is called RUSH which was directed by Ron Howard.

August 1976, a year after winning his first title, he suffered severe burns to his head, face and inhaled toxic gas that damaged his lungs and blood in the crash at Nürburgring where his Ferrari wander off the track. He went into coma after the accidents and was treated, after six weeks in hospital and has been given his last rite, he made a miraculous recovery entering the race with a fully bandaged head in the 1976 German Grand Prix.

After his accident and retirement, he founded and ran three airlines which were: Lauda Air, Niki and Lauda. He was a successful business Aircraft brand Ambassador and the Non-Executive Chairman for the successful F1 Mercedes team. He later brought in British driver Lewis Hamilton, who won five world Championship himself.

Lauda’s ill health followed him to his old age where he underwent a lung transplant in August 2018, previously in the early years in 2005, he had two kidney transplants; of which one was donated by his ex- girlfriend Brigit Wetzinger, whom he later married in 2008.

His family made a statement that “Niki’s unique achievement as an athlete and entrepreneur are and will remain unforgettable, his tireless zest for action, his straightforwardness and his courage remain a role model and a benchmark for all of us.”

Lewis Hamilton who was his close friend and mentee posted his farewell message on Instagram saying: “My buddy, I am struggling to believe you are gone. I will miss our conversation, our laughs, the hugs after winning races together. It’s truly been an honor working alongside you over these past 7 years. I wouldn’t have even been in this team if it wasn’t for you. God rest your soul. Thank you for being a bright light in my life. I’ll always be here for your family should ever need me. Love you man. Your friend always Lewis”.

What a legend the world loses!  What a Champion F1 loses!! What a great man the family loses!!!

Photo credit: internet

Moyomola Esther Bodunde

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